The Muse

Angel McClinton is someone people often misread at first. She comes off as confident — sometimes even a little arrogant — but the more you talk to her, the more you realize how honest and grounded she actually is.

She's reserved in a way that makes her hard to approach, but never closed off in who she really is. There's a lot going on beneath the surface — she's thoughtful, expressive, and very self-aware.

Her identity as Laotian and Black has shaped how she moves through the world, making her intentional about how she sees people and how she show up as herself.

In these portraits, I wanted to capture that contrast — the first impression people get, and the deeper truth that sits underneath it.

Welcome to the next entry in my "Beyond the Lens" series: Angel McClinton

**In Her Words...**

At First Glance

Joshua Haynes:

Hello Angel, welcome to my Beyond the Lens series!

Would you like to introduce yourself?

Angel McClinton:

Hello, my name is Angel McClinton! I’m a fellow classmate and friend of Joshua Haynes. He’s an amazing photographer and someone very dear to my heart.

Joshua:

Angel, we just wrapped up a shoot, and I’m excited for people to not only see the photos but hear your story. This is your moment to share who you are—in your own words.

So let’s start with this: how would you describe yourself beyond what people see at first glance?

Angel:

People usually say I don’t look very approachable, but I want people to know I’m actually really sweet. I’m open to conversation, I like getting to know people, and I’m friendly—and funny too. I think people assume the opposite because I have a resting face, and if no one talks to me, I tend to stay reserved. But I’m always open to connecting.

More Than What You See

Joshua:

What’s something people misunderstand about you?

Angel:

People think I’m mean or judgmental. I am very honest, and sometimes that can come off the wrong way. But I’m genuinely kind, and I speak from a place of care. I’d rather be honest than fake. I think people need constructive criticism to grow.

Joshua:

Let’s talk about identity. You’re Laotian from your mom’s side and Black from your dad’s side.

How has that shaped you?

Angel:

Being Black and Asian has made me more intentional—about who I’m around, what I post, and how I present myself. There’s a lot of discrimination toward both communities, so I try to support and uplift people going through that. Growing up, I was often labeled, like “that Blasian girl.” But it gave me something to stand on. It made me more grounded in where I come from.

Looking Forward

Joshua:

When do you feel most like yourself?

Angel:

Honestly, when I’m driving. Especially when I’m playing my music—rock, country, older music, some jazz, and musicals. I love Heathers, Wicked, and even Willy Wonka. That’s when I feel the most free.

Joshua:

Where does your confidence come from?

Angel:

My mom—100%. She raised me to be confident and independent and not really care about what people think of me.

Joshua:

What has life taught you about friendships?

Angel:

Communication is everything. If someone isn’t open to hearing you—or you’re not open to hearing them—the friendship won’t last. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to outgrow people. Growth is natural. You can still love someone, even if you grow apart.

Joshua:

How do you deal with that when it happens?

Angel:

Feel everything. If you’re sad, cry. Don’t suppress it—but don’t stay stuck in it either. Everything happens for a reason, and you will meet new people. Just stay open.

Where She's Going

Joshua:

We're both about to go to college, and I know you’re going into sports marketing.

What draws you to that?

Angel:

I’ve played sports for years, and sports are such a big part of culture. I love the idea of marketing something people are so passionate about. If I could work with any team, it would be the Savannah Bananas. Their marketing is so fun and creative, especially how they use TikTok to connect with younger audiences.

Joshua:

What do you want your future to look like?

Angel:

I want to be around people who genuinely make me happy.

And I want freedom—to travel, be spontaneous, and not feel stuck doing the same thing every day.

Joshua:

If you had to describe yourself in one image, what would it be?

Angel:

A graffiti-covered room, broken glass bottles on the floor, and me holding a sledgehammer. It shows a rebellious side of me. My aesthetic changes a lot, but that side is still real.

Joshua:

How do you want to be remembered?

Angel:

As someone who was real. Someone who was honest and open-minded. Someone who kept growing.

Final Thoughts

Joshua:

What does Beyond the Lens mean to you?

Angel:

From a picture perspective, it’s showing a more mature version of who I’ve grown into, but still keeping my girly side—even with my piercings. I like that I can show different sides of myself.

Joshua:

That’s something I noticed too—you’re very multifaceted. The photos show one side, but this conversation shows everything else.

Angel:

Yeah, and I like that the interview is part of it. It lets me actually express my personality. A photo alone doesn’t always show that.

Joshua:

Social media, especially, can be quick to judge from one image.

This gives people more context.

Angel:

Exactly. And I think that matters. I’m really happy to be part of this!

Joshua:

Thank you so much, Angel. Today was an experience—from driving around looking for locations to finally sitting down and having this conversation.

Beyond the Lens—there’s always a story.